I have a number of friends that joined different forms of the military.. two of them are brothers one year apart.
Growing up, one was always squared away.. the other a bit "wild" in nature. Eric was on the honor role.. Adam on a different list the principle kept track of. Eric joined the marines.. Adam the army.
A number of us wagered which one would get booted first.. 20 years later they both are still enlisted. I have seen them both over the past couple years.. had the opportunity to kick back with both of them on leave and shoot the breeze.
Adam is very squared away now.. normal even, a couple of kids etc. The army did wonders straightening him up... flashes that wild side but he keeps it in check now.
Eric just isn't right now.. we joked and had a hell of a time, but the cat just isn't fit for civi life. Still a hell of a guy, but changed, hardened and edgy. He told me a couple of experiences.. some you don't hear on the news, things he has seen and done.
There was something about him.. around the eyes the looking in control but lost at the same time... worn down yet proud to the core of his life.
I made a point of it to not slip any Marine humor in.. being I am not a Marine I expected it not to fly. Another gent.. not as aptly thinking, got on one of the jarhead routines.. after a couple of warning glances, Eric snapped a bit. Guy only picked up a tooth.. could have been worse I imagine.
Not even Eric I would think incapable of snapping in that nature, but their loyalty to their brothers is a funny thing, from my experiences.
Product of their development and experiences I imagine.
My father, Special Forces - Green Beret, told me stories growing up of some of the experiences with other sectors of the military.. it isn't just reserved to the Marines, they just seem to a on a different level.
His quote, that I remember as if it were spoken today.. "There is two types of crazies.. your run of the mill crazies and Marines."
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"